Another day, another story circulated about Titan's marquee man David Fifita potentially moving away from the club.
Wayne Bennett has reportedly "confirmed interest" in one of the game's most damaging forwards.
Hardly a surprise given what Fifita can do on his day.
It seems as though Fifita has constantly been linked with a move away from the club ever since the day he signed his mega-money Titans deal.
Moved into the centres recently before being relegated to the bench, Fifita's impact has be inconsistent all season.
Perhaps this is a chance for the Titans to accept an "out" and move Fifita's reported eye-watering salary off their books to re-invest into problem areas?
Whether or not the Titans should jump at the chance or fight tooth and nail to keep their star, albeit underperforming, asset is a matter for another day.
Assuming that Wayne Bennett and the Dolphins do manage to lure Fifita up the coast, the Titans would need to move on... and quickly.
How do you replace a player who was brought to the club to lead the new era? A player who, on his day, can bust 15 tackles and score a try that few other players in the game can replicate?
Easily enough, funnily.
Here is how I can see the Titans not only covering the loss of Fifita but using the potential move as a positive moving forward.
2. Take a risk with a potential replacement right away
This is a big risk, and not something I would back personally, but would the Titans be willing to let Fifita go in 2023 with an early release?
They offer up their biggest name player to their new rivals in order to bring forward the needed rebuild. Fans won't like it but sometimes ripping off the band-aid works.
Releasing Fifita without a replacement lined up would be risky, at best, and could be catastrophic.
It's an option though.
Adam Elliott has unlimited potential but is easily distracted. I don't think that is unfair to suggest. The talent though, it's there.
Briton Nikora shows signs of exploding into the next level. It's only once every three to four weeks but it is there. Move him out of where is comfortable and perhaps you have the key to making Nikora a genuine star?
Ryan Matterson should have Origin jumpers in his past and future. For whatever reason he hasn't reached the level expected.
You back Matterson, who you could absolutely grab for less than half of what Fifita is currently on, and he could match Fifita's output.
Risky. Very risky! Value-wise though, I don't hate it.
If I were running Recruitment & Retention for the Titans, I would want him out of there ASAP. He may be brilliant on his day, but his days are few and far between. Playing him at Centre or off the bench shows that the coach has got no idea what to do to get the best out of him. Shuffling a guy round who isn’t costing much (like Sifa Talakai) is not a problem, but shuffling round a guy on around $1.1m is a big problem.
So, if they can persuade the Dolphins to take him, then great ! If they can persuade the Dolphins to take him without having to throw in more than $100K that will be even greater!
For the player, a new coach and team, on anything above $750K must be appealing. Especially if it’s a potentially successful club with a great coach. The best outcome for all three would be for him to move to the Dolphins on $800K, with the Titans throwing in an extra $100K for 2023.
As for who to sign to replace him, well – as you say – there are plenty of good quality guys coming off contract, and the Titans could pick up a pair of them for a million.